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Flashcards provide a short piece of information with words, sentences, questions, pictures, numbers, or even a small sketch, always related to a subject and/or a theme of study. Flashcards can be in paper or digital format. The basic version of a flashcard consists of two sides: a front side with a question and a back side with the answer. Learners go through a set of flashcards by answering the questions on the front side and check their answers on the back side of the cards. At the beginning of each hour, I repeat what was done or lectured in the previous class with an oral review. I personally enjoy this short period of the lecture because it opposes a challenge to my overall creativity and teaching abilities. Flashcards allowed me to mobilize almost all the students in the first ten minutes. Before they arrive in class, I set up several flashcards in columns (I usually put eight or nine columns for as many students.) They come to the board and write down the word next to the picture. Once the student has finished completing his column, I suggest that another student comes to correct it. In general, the students are very willing and this allows me to make the beginning of the hour more dynamic set up the class for a good mood. Once the table is completed and corrected, I have the students repeat the words and I emphasize on certain spelling and phonological particularities. Personally, I like this method a lot because it helps me to save time and teach children faster than traditional methods. Another fun activity that my students absolutely love is, when I draw two or three large circles on the board, then I write the word "topic" for example: animals; vegetables; clothes, etc. Each in turn, or in pairs, students come to the board, read a word card that I gave them and stick it on the corresponding circle. I sometimes, Stick the flashcards on the board and I select one secretly. Then I encourage students to guess the name by asking questions: "Is it blue? -No", "Is it big? -Yes". Based on their answers, the students find the selected flashcard. The winner becomes the master of the game. I've been using this activity almost weekly for the past two years and I'm noticing positive effects mostly. The students are cheerful as soon as they see the cards on the walls and many hands are raised. This can help them, not only to memorize words, but to speak in English too. After sticking a set of flashcards on the board, I give back by showing them the names of each one and ask them to repeat the words. Then I have them cover their eyes. As soon as all eyes are closed, I remove a card. When students open their eyes again, they must guess which card is missing by giving their name. I also hang or stick the flashcards on the walls around the classroom. The students give the names of the objects drawn at the same time and then I give the instructions, "Show me the bread" or "Show me the water". Students listen and look around the classroom and point to the correct flashcard as quickly as they can. Flashcards can help to quickly memorize and learn dates, vocabulary, facts, historical events, scientific terms, processes and equations. Learners can practice with flashcards not only as classroom activities, but also to study on their own, at home or even as a game with family and/or friends. However, they are not recommended for the in-depth analysis of a subject because they provide only key information and not the details of a subject or topic.
